OFFICERS are directing traffic and ensuring motorists do not ignore road closures this morning after the A38 was closed in both directions at Longford after water levels rose.

Police are warning anyone trying to continue that their actions could cause significant problems to the local community.

Superintendent Bridget Woodhall said: "Drivers who ignore the road closure signs are creating bow waves and further flooding for residents.

"While they may get a short term gain out of it people in the area could lose a lot.

"We're also having to commit officers there to reassure people and ease the tension.

"We understand people's frustration but this is not acceptable."

Police are also warning people that Tewkesbury is not accessible from junction 9 of the M5. Access is from M50 from the North or, if coming from the south, leaving the M5 at Cheltenham and going via Stoke Orchard/Uckington.

Gloucestershire Highways will be using matrix signs to display this.

As well as the A38 other roads closed this morning include the A417 at Maisemore between The Rudge and A40, the A435 at Coberley, both way between the A436 and Colesbourne and the A438 Ashchurch Road between the A38 and Wynyards Close.

Diversions are in place.

All the information you need about the floods can be found via www.glosprepared.co.uk